remember in 2008 when john mccain stood up to the people who thought president obama administration was a muslim. >> no, man. he is not. thank you. thank you. [ applause ] >> jennifer: john mccain earned a lot of respect for standing up and being honest. mitt romney remains silent. silence in the face of these kind of comments is unacceptable. there's a saying that goes not to speak is to speak. not to act is to act. joining me from washington to discuss the republican's race to the bottom is democratic strategist and syndicated columnist karl frisch, and coming to us from boston is charlie pierce, contributing editor of "esquire" magazine. both of you gentlemen welcome back inside "the war room." >> good evening, governor. >> hello, governor. how are you? >> jennifer: i am great. charlie let me start with you. how it is that mitt romney can continue to affiliation himself with people who make inane comments like those. >> first of all the jesuate fathers thought me [ inaudible ] he is silent gives consent. why has he gotten away with it -- >> jennifer: why hasn't he said anything at al